Advance directives are essential tools for preserving autonomy and minimizing crisis decision-making. They help clinicians honor your preferences, guide loved ones, and may simplify medical decisions during emergencies. Properly prepared documents also clarify responsibilities for your healthcare agent and can reduce potential conflicts among family members.
With a comprehensive approach, your healthcare team has direct access to clear instructions and designated decision-makers, which reduces delays and uncertainty in urgent situations.
As a local estate planning and probate firm, we tailor directives to your unique health, family, and financial situation. Our approach emphasizes clarity, compliance, and compassionate guidance, helping you protect autonomy and minimize conflict during difficult times.
When major life events occur—marriage, divorce, relocation, or illness—you should update directives to protect your goals, clarify appointing authorities, and avoid confusion during care transitions.
An advance directive is a written instruction about medical care if you cannot speak for yourself. It may name a healthcare proxy, outline treatments you want or refuse, and help clinicians honor your wishes. A living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare are common forms of advance directives, providing structure for decisions and reducing family conflict by clarifying who has authority.
A living will specifies your preferences for end-of-life treatments when recovery is unlikely and you cannot communicate. It guides clinicians and loved ones about which interventions you want or do not want. Pairing it with a durable power of attorney for healthcare ensures you have both clear guidance and a trusted decision-maker.
A healthcare proxy is the person you appoint to make medical decisions for you when you cannot. Choose someone who understands your values and can communicate effectively with your care team. Hospitals follow your proxy’s decisions if you are incapable, within the scope of your directives. Discuss the role with potential proxies ahead of time.
To update directives, you should review them regularly and after major life events, such as marriage or relocation. Work with an attorney to ensure changes meet legal requirements. Always distribute updated copies to your healthcare proxy, family members, doctors, and your attorney to ensure everyone has the latest version.
Bring government ID, existing directives, a list of medications, and any previous healthcare documents. Also provide contact information for your proxy and healthcare providers to facilitate coordination. If you lack current documents, we can guide you through creating new directives that reflect your preferences. Having IDs reduces administrative delays.
The timeline varies, but we aim to complete a clear, compliant set of directives within one to two visits. More complex planning can extend this, but we will keep you informed at every step. We will provide a realistic schedule and milestones based on your goals and situation.
Yes. Generally, moving to another state may require updating your directives to meet new state laws. Our team can help coordinate any necessary amendments. It is wise to inform new healthcare providers about your directives and carry copies when you relocate.
Yes, you can change your mind at any time, and you should update your documents accordingly. We encourage reviewing your directives annually or after major events. Your former documents may be replaced by newer versions; keep the old copies for reference but rely on the latest version.
These documents typically do not impact your overall estate plan, but they should align with your will and trusts to prevent conflicts. Coordination with your attorney ensures your medical preferences harmonize with your financial goals and legacy planning. This reduces ambiguity during transitions.
Secure storage is essential; keep originals with your attorney and copies with your proxy and doctors. Digital backups can be useful, but ensure proper security. We provide guidance on safe storage, who should have access, and how to update securely. Our team can set up reminders for reviews.
